UPDATE: Government never tried to obstruct investigation into firings scandal: health minister

Health Minister Terry Lake says, to his knowledge, the government did not ever try to obstruct the RCMP’s investigation of the health data breach scandal.

On Thursday, the Vancouver Sun revealed RCMP documents that showed the health ministry failed to hand over information in the 2012 wrongful dismissals.

But Lake says the whole point of RCMP involvement was to look into whether a data breach had actually occurred.

“Once the investigation, in terms of the Ministry of Health, took place, and my deputy subsequently came on and did a review of all the information, there was less interest – if you like – in having the RCMP follow up.”

The Sun documents also showed the RCMP was not in fact investigating anything, despite a government claim at the time that they were.

Eight health researchers were fired after the alleged breach. Some pursued wrongful dismissal lawsuits, while another ended up taking his own life.

Since then, some have been rehired, some have reached settlements, and the province has apologized.

Christy and Terry should give me a call. I have a special on this month – buy one of my “Custom Fabricated Excuses” at the regular price and get your next “Completely Ridiculous Lie” absolutely free (worth twice the price you’re not paying for it!).

Every customer of Dangler’s “House of Pathetic Deception” is a self-satisfied customer – and that’s my personal guarantee!

I know radio hosts and such just hate using the word “Liar” (and I understand that) but I think it’s past time to begin using the “liar” word right to these people’s faces. Although, with their level of arrogance it would probably have minimal effect. All levels of Government now have lying as their default position. Why have we gotten to this stage ??? Because they are never really called out for their lies in no uncertain terms.

John McComb certainly didn’t avoid extreme language this morning. I’ve never heard a stronger condemnation on radio … including so-called foul language like “bullsh*t”. Simi Sara has been almost as blunt, as she has with the Paige disaster.

If they keep it up for at least a week, the government will find itself in very serious “public” trouble. But that’s the problem – keeping up the pressure. Too often it fades after a day or so.

The problem is, this isn’t new. We could all bring up examples from any government over the past 100+ years anywhere where your comment fits. We need to demand much more integrity, respect and basic honesty from our politicians. I’ll take it a step farther and suggest we need to demand a lot more integrity, respect and basic honesty from the rest of us as well – perhaps even more.

This will likely prove to be unpopular, but … one of my long-standing beefs is that politics tends to attract those who can afford to do it. Which means that the common complaint about politician salaries, benefits and pensions doesn’t wash with me.

The job of MLA is (and should be) a full-time job and the compensation should be enough to attract people away from their regular employment/career. Is $76k (base MLA salary) enough to do that? Not in my opinion. Not unless you have already accumulated a lot of money and assets through your previous legal, real estate or other business career. Then it becomes a hobby, or an amusement, or an ideological passion … none of which really serve the public interest of good governance,

And because “like attracts like”, what we end up with (I’m afraid) is a very narrow spectrum of political beliefs and goals. I have no axe to grind with the well-off, but I think there should be more balance within the hallowed halls of the legislature.

As for “perks”, they don’t get anything that senior people in the private sector don’t get. It might look like luxury to those trying to get by in a low-wage, zero-benefit job, but not to those who are doing well in their private sector jobs.

@ William: Get involved. Talk to your candidates and get personal commitments. Attend meetings and express opinions. Don’t let anybody off the hook by saying “Oh well, they’re all the same.” Tell them that isn’t good enough. Remind them that they have to earn your vote.

I just happen to be lucky enough to have Vicki Huntington as my MLA so I don’t have to vote for Liberal or NDP. And I have spoken with her over the years when she was on Delta Council. I find her trustworthy but she is in a different ball park than the “big” party candidates.

When will the dishonesty stop? One of these days, CC, Stone, Lake, Coleman and the rest of the fabricators, will grow 6 inch noses, over night. The public is starting to figure these fascist shysters out. I’d be surprise to see this fake-a-loo government, go full term. Too many issues to have one iota of trust. At least the option, appears to be more honest and credible. So, CC, enjoy the feel of the throne, it will be short lived. Maybe you could go back slinging beer. It would be suicidal for the Big N Dub to give you a slot.

Eb, you covered it well. Let me add the illustrious Bill Bennett to your list. He single handedly dropped the BCUC from our democracy for his own selfish gains. He was a not too active role player in Mount Polley and he enjoys a starring role in the Site C dam. He’s also enjoyed a cameo role with BC Hydro and their famous smart meters.